Ford Introduces A 3.2L Turbo-diesel For The Transit

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

December 10, 2012

Ford has announced today that the new Transit will come with a 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel inline-5 to join alongside the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 when it goes on sale later next year.

The 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel doesn't have any power ratings for the U.S. at the moment, but Ford does say the European version of this engine produces 197 HP and 347 lb-ft of torque - 90% of that torque is will be available between 1,700 and 3,500 rpm. While the 3.2L doesn't hold a candle in power to the recently phased out 6.0L Power Stroke (235 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque), the 3.2L is expected to be much cleaner and efficient. Also, the 3.2L is expected to run on B20 biodiesel fuel. Your sole transmission choice will be a six-speed automatic.

The new 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel will be built in South Africa and exported to the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant where the U.S.-spec Transit will be built.

Source: Ford

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

• Already a proven global workhorse, Ford adds 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbo diesel to fuel-efficient North American lineup in all-new Transit commercial van range
  
• This innovative engine features state-of-the-art fuel, turbo and emissions systems that meet stringent U.S. clean diesel standards
  
• The 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® Diesel will deliver outstanding performance, exceptional fuel economy and low operating costs
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Transit full-size van, which goes on sale late next year, will be offered with a new clean-running 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® five-cylinder diesel, further bolstering Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and SUVs.

The new diesel, Ford’s second in North America, already has established a proven record for reliability, durability and refinement in the global Ford Ranger truck sold in world markets. The new Power Stroke Diesel will be the only five-cylinder diesel engine available in a commercial van in North America.

“Commercial van drivers spend most of their working hours behind the wheel. We know they want a fuel-efficient diesel engine with smooth, responsive performance and low operating costs,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “The 3.2-liter Power Stroke engine has been developed and proven globally to deliver a world-class combination of power, fuel economy and refinement.”

The 3.2-liter will join the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company’s history. Next year, Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double today’s total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.

While power has not been certified for North America, the new diesel engine is rated in Europe at 197 horsepower and 347 lb.-ft. of torque.

Like the larger 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 offered in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, the fuel system has been carefully tailored and calibrated for combustion efficiency. It enables the newest Power Stroke to achieve exceptional fuel economy ratings without affecting power levels.

The 3.2-liter turbo diesel features state-of-the-art piezoelectric fuel injectors fed through a high-pressure common rail fuel system, and advanced emissions technologies.

Precise injection timing and calibration also ensures a smooth combustion process to reduce hard diesel combustion clatter, resulting in lower noise levels that are more like a gasoline engine.Each injector nozzle has eight spray holes and can deliver up to five injections per combustion cycle. A pilot injection controls noise levels and a main injection is used for power generation.

Technical features of the new Power Stroke 3.2-liter include:

• Quick-start glow plugs that enable smooth and fast startups at temperatures down to 25 degrees F
  
• Durable, rigid sand-cast gray iron cylinder block
  
• Aluminum cylinder heads with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder
  
• Advanced common rail piezoelectric fuel injectors that deliver multiple injections per stroke to improve performance and reduce NVH; maximum fuel pressure is 26,100 psi
  
• Variable nozzle turbocharger with electronic actuation; maximum impellor speed of 197,800 rpm
  
• First application of selective catalytic reduction for reduced nitrogen oxide emissions in a Ford van
  
• Integrated diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter to save space
  
• Expected to be B20 biodiesel compatible
  

Additionally, the engine features cast-aluminum, low-friction coated pistons with piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. Also included is a water-cooled high-performance electric-controlled exhaust gas recirculation valve that is better able to withstand coolant pressure drops.

The 3.2-liter Power Stroke is one of several engines that will be available for Transit in North America, including the proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® gasoline engine. All engines are mated to a Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

With a flat torque plateau – 90 percent of its peak torque is available from 1,700 to 3,500 rpm, providing better engine flexibility – Transit will be able to effortlessly haul full loads in town and on the highway, while offering flexible performance across each gear in the six-speed automatic transmission.

“The Power Stroke name is synonymous with power, work and long-term durability,” said Bakaj. “We’re confident our commercial van customers will be extremely pleased with the 3.2-liter’s fuel economy, performance and running costs.”

The Power Stroke 3.2-liter is manufactured in Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will be exported to Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., which received a $1.1 billion investment for the Transit.